The day before, Apparition Media posted a statement to its Instagram page also apologising to the artist and the Newtown community.

“We are going to restore the original mural in collaboration with the artist and we have agreed to cover all costs, assist him in painting it and get the story of the mural out there to as many people as we can. We are also going to use this opportunity to raise money for a local charity of the artist's choice to raise awareness around youth suicide.”

Inner West Council also took to social media to share that the advertisement was unauthorised and that it is investigating the matter further.

“Unfortunately Apparition Media also painted this mural over a much-loved, iconic public artwork in Newtown on the weekend: "it's like a jungle sometimes". Council did not approve the advertisement, and the display of advertisements is prohibited in heritage areas. The matter is now being investigated by Council’s Compliance Section.”

This morning the advertisement was painted over in plain blue with an advertisement for the suicide prevention organisation Lifeline at the request of the artist.

Numerous high-profile street artists have also vented their displeasure, claiming the ad agency has a history of painting over other artists’ work. They also warned Apparition Media’s future clients.

Sydney-based artist Scott Marsh – famous for his “Casino Mike” mural – weighed in on Instagram. “This agency has a history of circumventing artists, paying property owners to paint ads over public murals. Culture vultures feeding off the fad of street art and graffiti culture while shitting on the people who created it. If they are painting your advertisements you’re tarred with the same brush,” he said.